Hangal turns cabinet disappointment into a blood donation protest

Haveri: Disappointment over the denial of a ministerial berth to Hangal MLA Srinivas Mane has taken an unusual and humanitarian form, with 901 people donating blood as part of a protest organised by his supporters and constituents.

The blood donation drive was held on August 6, coinciding with Mane’s birthday. Organisers said the initiative was intended to express their disappointment over the MLA not finding a place in the Karnataka Cabinet while ensuring that the protest benefited society.

The turnout was significantly higher than the 40 to 50 donors usually seen at blood donation camps, according to the organisers. They said the participation reflected the strong support Mane enjoys among sections of the constituency.

Mane has been associated with public and political life for more than 25 years. He has served two terms as a Member of the Legislative Council and is currently serving his second term as an MLA. His supporters said his political experience, long association with the Congress and work in the constituency had led them to expect a ministerial opportunity for him.

Instead of holding conventional protests involving slogans, road blockades or damage to public property, supporters chose blood donation as a peaceful way of expressing their sentiment.

The programme also sought to highlight social unity. Religious leaders from different communities participated in a symbolic Tulabhar ceremony associated with the event. Dr Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swamiji of Moorusavira Math, Hubballi, Father Deepak Joseph from Bengaluru and Muslim religious leader Hafiz Hazrat Ali Sullalli of Mundgod took part in the programme.

Organisers said the participation of leaders from different communities reinforced the message that blood has no religious, caste or economic identity and that every donation can potentially help a person in need.

“We are disappointed, but we do not want our disappointment to hurt anyone. If we are angry, let our anger help save lives. Blood donation is a meaningful way to express our feelings while doing something useful for society,” said Basangouda Patil, who was associated with the initiative.

Another volunteer, Manju Goranavar, said the protest was intended to convey a message of peaceful democratic expression.

“We are hurt, but we will not hurt others. We are angry, but our anger will save lives. We may belong to different communities, but the same blood runs through all of us,” he said.

The organisers described the initiative as an attempt to redefine the conventional language of political protest by combining public expression with social service.

The event also underlined the right of citizens and supporters to express dissatisfaction with political decisions while choosing a constructive form of protest. Organisers said the 901 donations could potentially benefit patients requiring transfusions, including accident victims and those undergoing treatment.

The initiative has turned what began as political disappointment into a public service campaign, with organisers hoping that the message of peaceful protest, humanity and community participation will extend beyond Hangal.